The Crafty Princess Diaries

Tammy Powley’s Crafty Weblog

August 30, 2015
by Tammy
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Amazing Custom Pullip Doll

I have already shown off my first Pullip Doll in a short video, and now I’m really hooked on both Pullip and Blythe dolls. I’m even more impressed with the amazing artwork done with these dolls by artists who customize them and turn them into one of kind little works of art. In this video below, Pullip collector Angie shows one of her recently acquired custom Pullips. This really takes these dolls to a completely different level.



August 29, 2015
by Tammy
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Crafting Freebies & How-To’s

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

For August, the Inspired by Reading Book Club read, “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. See what the participants were inspired to create with this fantastical book in mind!

Christian Art Greeting Cards

Cherie introduces some new greeting cards she’s made with her artwork.s/

How to Sew a Pillow

This easy pillow tutorial uses scrap fabric (from an old receiving blanket) to make a perfect pillow for a little kid’s rest time.

Video Book Review

The Crafty Princess takes a look at a new book called “Super Cute Crochet for Little Feet.”

Lost Earring Cleverly Replaced

Eileen lost one of the earrings the very first time she wore this pretty set. Don’t you just hate when that happens?

Snap Out of It, Jean! There’s Beading to Be Done!

Jean reviews the spectacular new book, Fine Art Wire Weaving by Sarah Thompson — what a great design book!

Beading Arts

Cyndi has rounded up some of her favorite tutorials from the blogosphere this summer, and most are pretty easy and quick!

Connie Gee’s Designs

Connie has added a new free pattern to her site. It is the first in a series of vase-themed patterns inspired by motifs from vintage samplers.

Art Bead Scene

Check out Mary’s review of the new book ‘Handcrafted Metal Findings’ – it looks awesome!

August 23, 2015
by Tammy
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Coloring Dream Mandalas

Coloring Dream Mandalas: 30 Hand-drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation is published by Ulysses Press and retails for $10 in the US and $11.95 in Canada. The author is Wendy Piersall. I hesitate to refer to her as just an author because, obviously, she is a very talented artist as well.

I was not really surprised to receive this book as a review copy from the publisher because coloring books for adults is a super popular trend right now, especially among those who enjoy creating and crafting. It is suppose to help relieve stress, and of course, creative people are drawn to colors so it’s a good fit.

This is her third book of mandalas created with the idea that the read/user is able to color inside the book. The designs are all fairly intricate, and many of them also include inspirational saying such as “Follow Your Dreams They Know the Way.” Images she has drawn in the mandalas include dragons, fairies, castles, lots of wonderful fantasy-themed elements.

Wendy is making this a collaborative and interactive book by inviting readers to share their finished colorings on her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/WendyPiersallArt

And you can also share images through Instagram by tagging them with #wendypiersall or #coloringdreammandalas .

This is a super fun book, and I’m thinking that this and a box of colored pencils might be a wonderful gift for a few people on my holiday gift list.

August 23, 2015
by Tammy
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New Craft Projects from Around the Web

Doll Experiment Wrap Up

Malibu Barbie is back to give a wrap up of the doll crafting experimentation, good and bad.

Whiten Yellowed Plastic

Do you know how easy it is to whiten plastic yellowed by age? Eileen demonstrates on her Ott task lamp and also whitened a Braun juicer with awesome results! Everything old is new again.

DIY Chalkboard Sign

Getting ready for back to school? This easy chalkboard sign is made out of a canvas and is a great prop for first day of school photos.

Beading Arts

Cyndi has posted a new tutorial for an older piece she just rediscovered, “Portal to Dreams.”

Treasure Hunt

Connie’s added a new pattern to her Etsy shop called Treasure Hunt. It would be great for an ornament or card.

August 16, 2015
by Tammy
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Crafting Goodness Freebies, Tips, and Tutorials

Diamond Two is Posted

Connie has posted the second section of her free SAL – there’s still plenty of time to join in on it. She also added a new free pattern this week, so be sure to check that out as well.

Art Bead Scene

Check out this sweet summer necklace tutorial from Mary!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

Dreaming Tree is the latest challenge hosted by Andrew. See what the participants made from the fluorite-inspired design kit!

Amigurumi Tip #2

This video tips helps you pick out the perfect amigurumi pattern for success.

Good Morning Starshine Card Designed in Silhouette Studio

How to make and design one-of-a-kind greeting cards in Silhouette Studio.

Beading Arts

Just when you think there are no interesting materials left to try out in your jewelry making…